NFL starts digging into messages between a Giants owner and Epstein, and the emails are deeply unsettling

The NFL has opened a review into New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch after the release of messages showing his past communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The situation gained attention as details were reported by The Guardian, prompting the league to acknowledge the matter publicly.

Tisch’s name appeared more than 400 times in emails released by the US Justice Department as part of its ongoing disclosure of Epstein-related records. The disclosures come amid other high-profile Epstein file coverage, including mentions of Trump’s extensive references in the released documents, with Trump mentioned 1,000+ times in Epstein files he tried to keep hidden, which highlights how broadly the files have drawn attention.

While Tisch has not been charged with any crime connected to Epstein, the messages date back to 2013 and have raised concerns due to their content and tone. The NFL confirmed on Monday that it is aware of the reports and Tisch’s response. The league said its office will review the information to better understand the facts and determine how, if at all, the situation relates to league policy.

The emails raise questions beyond criminal liability

The released documents show Epstein arranging potential meetings between Tisch and several women. In one May 2013 exchange, Epstein offered to connect Tisch with a woman from Russia, to which Tisch replied by asking, “Is she fun?” A month later, Tisch asked Epstein about another woman from Tahiti, specifically questioning whether she was a “working girl,” which Epstein denied.

One exchange drew particular scrutiny after Epstein followed up about a woman Tisch had met. Epstein wrote that she “wants to go to the play” but was “a little freaked by the age difference,” adding that he would try to convince her not to return to Ukraine and that “having her crying worked.” Tisch responded by writing, “Nice report … Funny comment on crying!!!” Other Epstein-related stories have also circulated online, such as a heated public dispute over alleged island visits in which Reid Hoffman told Elon that you were begging to go to his island.

Tisch, now 76, issued a statement last Friday denying any wrongdoing. He described his connection to Epstein as a “brief association” focused on discussions about movies, philanthropy, investments, and “adult women,” and said he never visited Epstein’s private island or accepted invitations to do so. Tisch also said Epstein was a “terrible person” and someone he regrets associating with.

The league’s review comes under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which requires league personnel to avoid conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL. The policy specifies that discipline can be imposed even in the absence of criminal charges if behavior falls short of league standards.

The NFL has previously disciplined owners for violations of conduct rules. In 2023, former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder was fined $60 million following findings that he sexually harassed an employee and oversaw efforts to withhold revenue from other teams.

Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the situation during a Super Bowl week press conference on Monday, saying the league would proceed carefully. He said the NFL will review the facts and context of the messages to determine how they relate to league policy before reaching any conclusions.

The emails were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, following sustained public and political pressure to open government records related to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019.